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Posted On

08
September
2022

Zelensky discusses further support for Ukraine with Blinken

KYIV. Sept 8 (Interfax-Ukraine) – President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, during a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Kyiv, discussed further support for Ukraine from the American state.

“Zelensky and Blinken discussed in detail the prospects of increasing defense support for Ukraine from the United States. The importance of the official launch of the Lend-Lease program was noted,” the presidential press service reported.

The President emphasized the importance of developing effective security guarantees for Ukraine. According to him, stability in Europe is impossible without such guarantees.

The parties discussed the situation at the Zaporizhia NPP in detail. Zelensky stated the constructive position of the USA and Blinken personally regarding the demilitarization of the ZNPP. He noted the importance of using all available mechanisms to ensure the implementation of this goal.

During the meeting, the importance of increasing international pressure on the aggressor state, which must be punished for crimes committed in Ukraine, was emphasized. In particular, the maximum restriction on the issuance of visas to Russians in the countries of the democratic world, including the United States.

At the same time, Zelensky stressed that Russia should be granted the "honorary" status of a state – sponsor of terrorism.

"We have all seen the information about the body of British volunteer Paul Urey handed over to us by the aggressor. And terrible footage showing torture. This is yet another proof that we are dealing with a terrorist state," the President said.

The parties positively noted the resumption of Ukrainian grain exports, which makes it possible to prevent the global food crisis deliberately provoked by Russia.

Separately, the promotion of reforms in Ukraine and the importance of their continuation were discussed. The President of Ukraine also expressed hope for the continuation of effective cooperation within the framework of the IMF and the World Bank and that the United States will play a leading role in the implementation of the Fast Recovery Plan.

They exchanged views on further contacts at a high level.

As reported, Zelensky thanked the American side for the decision announced by the U.S. President on August 24 to provide grant support to Ukraine in the amount of $6 billion and for the new package of defense assistance to Ukraine in the amount of $675 million approved today at the meeting in Ramstein.

He also noted that American weapons have a positive impact on the situation on the fronts. "The Armed Forces of Ukraine especially respect the HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems," the press service quoted the president as saying.

During the meeting, the President presented Antony Blinken with the Order of Yaroslav the Wise of the II degree, which he was awarded for significant personal achievements in strengthening interstate cooperation, support of state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.